The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
New Fannie Mae Mortgage Value Rules: What Homebuyers and Refinancers Need to Know
As of October 31, 2024, Fannie Mae has introduced new requirements that will significantly impact how property values are assessed in conventional loans. Whether you’re looking to buy a home or refinance your current mortgage, these changes make it more critical than ever to work with an experienced lender. Here’s what you need to know.…
Read MoreWhy the Media is Not Your Friend When It Comes to Mortgage Rates
When it comes to understanding mortgage rates, relying solely on media sources can be misleading. The best barometer for where mortgage rates truly stand is the actual source: FreddieMac.com. This is the entity that buys the loans made and sold by mortgage aggregators. When you see headlines claiming that interest rates are lower or have…
Read MoreHow earning more income affects your ability to buy a home
If you’re thinking about purchasing a house, it’s not just your credit score and your down payment that counts, it’s also your income, as your income drives affordability. How much income you generate is going to determine whether you’re able to buy a home. Here are some things to know about income when buying a…
Read More4 proven ways real estate will make your wealthier
If you’re thinking about buying a home, good, it’s a sound financial decision and it’s the bedrock by which most Americans in America have created wealth for themselves and their families. Here are the four pillars of owning real estate and how they all work in tandem with each other to make you wealthier as…
Read MoreWhy do mortgage companies have to pull a credit report?
When you apply to purchase or refinance a home the mortgage company is required to pull a copy of your credit report in order to issue a credit decision. Here are things you need to be aware of as it relates to your credit report and credit score from a financial services provider… The…
Read MoreWhen are housing prices going to return to normal?
For those that have been sitting on the sidelines, watching what’s happening in the market. Are you thinking to yourself “gosh I should have bought a house last year or a few years ago!” Remember, hindsight is 20-20 and you can’t regress you can only go forward. So, when are housing prices going to return…
Read MoreShould you refinance into a higher rate mortgage?
It is no surprise inflation is upon us, and interest rates are feeling the rising cost of goods and services. Everything seems like it is going up in price. Mortgage rates are no exception. One thing you might want to consider as it relates to refinancing your house is there is a net tangible benefit.…
Read MoreShould you refinance during rising rates?
If you’re thinking about refinancing your house and you’ve been on the fence; now would be a good time to start that application. Interest rates are all relative so it’s important to understand the total picture when deciding whether you should refinance your property. It’s no surprise that the federal reserve more than likely…
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